Latvia | Constitutional provisions

Text of the Constitution (in English)

1. Provisions concerning the European Union

Art. 68 All international agreements, which settle matters that may be decided by the legislative process, shall require ratification by the Saeima .

Upon entering into international agreements, Latvia, with the purpose of strengthening democracy, may delegate a part of its State institution competencies to international institutions. International agreements in which a part of State institution competencies are delegated to international institutions may be ratified by the Saeima in sittings in which at least two-thirds of the members of the Saeima participate, and a two-thirds majority vote of the members present is necessary for ratification.

Membership of Latvia in the European Union shall be decided by a national referendum, which is proposed by the Saeima .

Substantial changes in the terms regarding the membership of Latvia in the European Union shall be decided by a national referendum if such referendum is requested by at least one-half of the members of the Saeima.

Art. 79 An amendment to the Constitution submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if at least half of the electorate has voted in favour. A draft law, decision regarding membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if the number of voters is at least half of the number of electors as participated in the previous Saeima election and if the majority has voted in favour of the draft law, membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership.

Art. 101 Every citizen of Latvia has the right, as provided for by law, to participate in the work of the State and of local government, and to hold a position in the civil service. Local governments shall be elected by Latvian citizens and citizens of the European Union who permanently reside in Latvia. Every citizen of the European Union who permanently resides in Latvia has the right, as provided by law, to participate in the work of local governments. The working language of local governments is the Latvian language.

2. Provisions concerning International Treaties

Art. 41 The President shall represent the State in international relations, appoint the diplomatic representatives of Latvia, and also receive diplomatic representatives of other states. The President shall implement the decisions of the Parliament concerning the ratification of international agreements.

Art. 68 See above

3. Provisions concerning constitutional reform

Art. 76 The Parliament may amend the Constitution in sittings at which at least two-thirds of the members of the Parliament participate. The amendments shall be passed in three readings by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present.

Art. 77 If the Parliament has amended Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or 77 of the Constitution, such amendments, in order to come into force as law, shall be submitted to a national referendum.

Art. 78 Electors, in number comprising not less than one tenth of the electorate, have the right to submit a fully-elaborated draft of an amendment to the Constitution or of a law to the President, who shall present it to the Parliament. If the Parliament does not adopt it without change as to its content, it shall then be submitted to national referendum.

Art. 79 An amendment to the Constitution submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if at least half of the electorate has voted in favour. A draft law, decision regarding membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if the number of voters is at least half of the number of electors as participated in the previous Parliament election and if the majority has voted in favour of the draft law, membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership.

4. Provisions concerning referendums

Art. 70 An amendment to the Constitution submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if at least half of the electorate has voted in favour. A draft law, decision regarding membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership submitted for national referendum shall be deemed adopted if the number of voters is at least half of the number of electors as participated in the previous Parliament election and if the majority has voted in favour of the draft law, membership of Latvia in the European Union or substantial changes in the terms regarding such membership.

Art. 80 All citizens of Latvia who have the right to vote in elections of the Parliament may participate in national referendums.